As far as liturgical seasons are concerned, Lent has the tendency to feel, well, intimidating. First, there’s the specter of giving something up. Then there’s the suggestion to take something on. Factor in children and spouses and prayer and service and the whole idea of the 40 days can feel downright overwhelming and nerve-wracking.

But y’all, we don’t need to be nervous about Lent.

Lent is the perfect time to renew our love for Jesus. It is a time to walk with him on the road to Calvary, to unite ourselves to his divine nature and his very human heart. He longs for us; he longs for our closeness. Lent brings that connection to the forefront. It’s what restores our own hearts to Christ.

If you find yourself unsure of what to give up or take on this season; if your meatless meal repertoire is gathering dust, have no fear – I’ve got the solution for you.

Take a look at these 70 Resources for Your Best Lent Ever, courtesy of the Catholic Web.

Decor

Lenten decorations don’t hold a place on Target’s seasonal shelf, and for good reason. With the season’s emphasis on sacrifice, service, and repentance, we’re definitely not hanging out the baubles and bells. But that doesn’t mean our homes can’t reflect the quiet beauty of the period, as my friends Desiree and Dianna prove below:

Ash Wednesday

While Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation, it is absolutely one of the most well-attended masses of the year. Anyone – even non-Catholics – can come to mass on Ash Wednesday. Here’s how to make the most out of the beginning of Lent.

Stations of the Cross

“We Adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,”

“Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.”

Every Friday during Lent, my classmates and I walked the steep hill toward the church for Stations of the Cross. It was long and it was tiring but for some reason, I didn’t mind it. Perhaps it was the quiet – or perhaps the redolent odor of incense. Whatever the case, Stations were an event I looked forward to every week, and one I’m happy to share with my kids.

Family Meditations

Jesus may have spent 40 days alone in the desert, but that doesn’t mean we are meant to walk a solitary Lenten journey. These family meditations focus on the spiritual life of the home and family. It’s a perfect way to mark the holy season Lent.

Prayer

Lent is an excellent time to ramp up your prayer life, with the intention that come Easter your new habit will stick. Choose one (or more) of the resources listed below and give your conversation with God a boost.

Printables and Activities

Over the years, I’ve found that my children grasp liturgical seasons much more quickly if we do something hands-on. From simple and easy activities to in-depth projects, the links below offer serious tactile fun.

Pretzels

I didn’t know pretzels were a Lenten thing until my first child came along. Apparently, the tradition dates back to the 7th century and the ingenuity of an Italian monk. Made with ingredients typically green-lighted in the early church Lenten observances, pretzels became both a mainstay of the Lenten diet and a symbolic representation of the season’s call to prayer. Make a batch of your own if you’re adventurous in the kitchen, or check out the prayer pal option if you need something more tame.

Encouragement

Are you tired? Worn out? Missing the cream in your morning cup of joe? We’ve all been there, and we could all use a boost on this Lenten journey. Check out these words of encouragement from my sisters below.

Lent doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. It is a holy, healing time.

St. Teresa of Calcutta put it best, I think, when she wrote that

As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst…’Repent and believe’ Jesus tells us. What are we to repent? Our indifference, our hardness of heart. What are we to believe? Jesus thirsts even now, in your heart and in the poor — He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you.

He wants only the chance to love us.

What better time for that than Lent?

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